Union accuses department of nepotism
“We have realised the ill-intentions of the DAFF management and the anti-transformation group that is totally against transformation objectives in the department." - Timothy Mahamba.
Thabang Kuaho
Complaints about nepotism in the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (DAFF) were conveyed to the government on Tuesday.
Claims to this effect were contained in a memorandum delivered by the trade union Nehawu to DAFF Deputy Minister Bheki Cele at the Union Buildings.
The grievances of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union also related to service delivery and the need for jobs.
Union members marched from Cele’s department in Arcadia and proceeded to the Union Buildings where the memorandum was received by Cele.
His department was given until the end of June to respond to the memorandum or face a go-slow by workers.
Nehawu branch secretary Timothy Mahamba told the protesters the department had been unwilling to resolve demands raised long before agriculture, forestry and fisheries were amalgamated into one department in 2009.
“We have realised the ill intentions of the management and the anti-transformation group that is totally against transformation objectives in the department,” he said.
Mahamba said the workers were tired of intentions to sabotage Nehawu within the department.
“We are disappointed in the director general and her management.”
When Edith Vries was appointed as director general, workers were being told that the department was gaining scarce skills, said Mahamba.
“There is nothing developmental about the DG. What matters is that whatever qualification she holds does not produce positive results as hoped.”
Nepotism was another issue for workers, who claimed chief director Kgomotso Kgang had organised for her daughter to be an assistant director in international relations.
“We have a structure that discusses labour matters between the employer and the worker’s representatives,” Nehawu chairperson Ivan Ramogale said.
He said in a meeting between the parties concerned, the structure agreed all vacant posts would be categorised to determine which ones needed to be filled urgently.
“The chief-director took part in the delegation proceedings and when they went back to the department, she hired her daughter without anyone knowing.”
Accepting the memorandum, Cele said it would be disrespectful to respond to some of the issues raised immediately.
“Quite several of them are new, some of them are shocking and the rest require us to spend more time in discussing them before we respond.”
He promised the protesters that he and the minister would put heads together and to give feedback long before June 30.
“We have no business in not respecting and responding to your demands.”
Cele said he hoped some of the allegations made were not true as this reflected badly on the government.
“I hope some of the things mentioned are not true, because they are quite shocking.”
He said discipline was one of the elements of revolution.
“I am impressed with the way you handled this issue. We will respond to your demands.”
Nehawu shopsteward David Moeketsi, concluded: “We are expecting a progressive response from the deputy minister.”
Also read:
Street name saga to return to court
Councillor punched back at two armed thieves
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
